[1] On June 27, 1967, the committee TVRI North Sumatra Construction Foundation (Yayasan Pembangunan TVRI Sumatera Utara) was established by a partnership between the provincial government, the provincial parliament, regional TNI, and Pertamina; led by Lt. Col. Wahid Lubis and Lt. Col. Ridwan Hutagalung.

The foundation's purpose is to find sources of funds for station construction and purchase of a number of broadcast equipment.

[2][3] At the time of the station's approval, viewers were able to receive signals from Television Malaysia entering by overspill.

About 500 television sets were bought around the time to tune in to Malaysian signals.

In December 2017, TVRI Sumatera Utara digital transmitters were located in Bandar Baru and Sibolga, whereas the dual cast transmitters were located in Simarjarunjung, Gunung Sitoli, Padang Sidempuan and Parapat.